I have always been a fan of Motobecanes. Of the Mass produced french brands they seemed to have the best geometry. David Barnblatt is restoring three of them. The photos on the right are of his first, and fine looking looking, city bike conversion. Note the Honjo fenders, NOS Soubitez light, and 3TTT style bars.

Speaking of city bikes Mr. Neil Berg has saved a Peter Mooney chrome frame that had been turned into a ghastly semi-race bike. Neil returned the bike to it's city bike origins. The photos are below. Note the Campy Record triple crank, Rally derailleur, 3TTT style bars and smooth Honjos.

As to the question of why front racks are popular again, the rear rack alone was simply a way to fit a small load on a racing style bike. It is a result of builders ignoring the lessons of the past. It seems that rear racks (without matching front racks) became popular during the bike boom days of the 1970s when manufacturers would make and sell anything with two wheels and disregard well known principles.

The handlebar bag is an eminently more practical solution for carrying a day's load. A small saddle bag is another good option. But a rear rack with the load over the rear wheel makes little sense unless one plans to use panniers and have a front load as well.